Persian Violet (Exacum affine) – Flowering plants

Persian Violet (Exacum affine) is a small bushy herbaceous plant that grows to about 20 cm – 30 cm tall. The leaves are dark green and glossy, arranged in an opposite manner. About 2.5 cm – 5 cm long, leaves are ovate to elliptic. Stems are covered in dense hairs. It produces small Violet-blue, 5-petaled flowers have a yellow center with a rich fragrance. These plants can be grown in both indoors and outdoors.

Scientific Name: Exacum affine
Common Names: Persian Violet
Synonyms: Exacum gracilipes, Exacum socotranum.

How to grow and maintain Persian Violet (Exacum affine):

Light:
It thrives best in bright filtered light from a south- or west-facing window. Some direct morning sun is fine but keep out of hot, afternoon sunlight which can scorch the plant.

Soil:
It grows well in well-drained, peat-moss based potting mix soils.

Water:
Water regularly, Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy. Never allow it to dry out. In drier homes, mist weekly to increase ambient humidity.

Humidity:
It prefers high humidity. Place pot on a tray of wet pebbles or mist foliage with room-temperature water.

Temperature:
It thrives best in average room temperatures 65°F – 75°F / 18°C – 24°C. Keep the plant away from drafts.

Fertilizer:
Fertilize every two weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half while the plant is blooming

Propagation:
It can be easily propagated by seed. Seeds will germinate in 2-3 weeks. The seeds are tiny. Sow seeds in winter or early spring on top of the moist potting mix in a shallow pot.

Pests and Diseases:
It has no serious pest or disease problems. Sometimes susceptible to aphids and spider mites.